“Many users have found that it has not made the app easier to use but has in fact made many features more difficult,” the petition reads.

“There is a general level of annoyance among users and many have decided to use a VPN app to go back to the old Snapchat, as that’s how annoying this new update has become.

“This petition aims to help convince Snap Inc to change the app back to the basics, before this new 2018 update”.

The update has outraged millennials and celebrities alike, with many protesting that the new interface is cluttered and difficult to use.

Under the comment section of the petition one signatory wrote, “I am signing because Snapchat is my favourite app, me and my friends use it all the time. I find this update confusing and childish-looking and I am considering no longer using it as long as the update stays.”

Others on Twitter voiced similar concerns.

I’ve had the Snapchat update for a few days now and still haven’t figured out the equation. I’m so confused. Do any of you guys have the answer key?

Model and TV presenter Chrissy Teigen also weighed in on Twitter, asking rhetorically “How many people have to hate an update for it to be reconsidered?”

I’m seeing this same comment so often. I liked that you guys felt like we were friends. I’m sad it doesn’t feel like that anymore. How many people have to hate an update for it to be reconsidered? https://t.co/PI7OAf9Qlg

Some of Snapchat’s users have complained the app was updated automatically, causing the loss of some messages or archived data.

Despite the pleas, parent firm Snap Inc. currently has no plans to reconsider the original design. In a statement, a spokeswoman said “updates as big as this one can take a little getting used to, but we hope the community will enjoy it once they settle in”.